Seriously consider if bankruptcy is the right choice for you. If you do not owe too much in credit card debt and medical bills, you might be able to handle the debts yourself with credit counselors and payment arrangements. Bankruptcy can be a serious financial choice, so make sure you consider all your options carefully.

Many people do not know that student loans are not dischargeable debt under bankruptcy laws. Do not go into your bankruptcy thinking that your student loans will be discharged, because only in cases of extreme hardship are they considered. If the job you received from pursuing your degree will never allow you to pay off your debt, you may have a chance, but it is highly unlikely.

Know what debts can be forgiven. You may hear that you have to pay a certain debt, and that it cannot be discharged, but that information will usually be coming from a bill collector. Student loans and child support and a few other debts cannot be discharged, but most others can.

Become knowledgeable in regards to details about chapter seven bankruptcy vs. chapter 13 bankruptcy. Investigate the benefits and pitfalls of both. Online resources may be able to provide all the information you need. Before making any decisions, discuss the information you have learned with your lawyer.

Be prepared to see your name in the news when you file bankruptcy. While the story isn't going to make front-page headlines unless you are a very prominent or famous figure, all bankruptcy cases are public record. As such, they are often reported in a section of local newspapers. The good part is that not everyone reads that part.

Do some research. There are two main types of personal bankruptcy - Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 will eliminate the majority of your debt while Chapter 13 restructures it to give you time to pay it off. Each one has different rules on what assets you are allowed to keep. So, ask a lot of questions before you decide which one is the best fit for your situation.

Know the facts. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get credit after you file for bankruptcy. In fact, most who file already have very poor credit and filing for bankruptcy will put them on the only possible road to ever establishing good credit again. Your financial life will not end upon filing.

Always hire an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a lengthy, stressful process. A good attorney can make the process as fast, and painless as possible. Opting to file for bankruptcy without first seeking legal advice from a good attorney, could result in your bankruptcy petition being thrown out of court by a judge.

Do not hide assets while you are preparing to go through a bankruptcy. It may be tempting to take a home and/or other property and place it in a spouse's name, but if you get caught doing that you will face charges for fraud. The penalties being jail time and/or fines.

Consider every option prior to filing for bankruptcy. Perhaps credit counseling can resolve your issues. May non-profit companies are available to help you. These companies work with creditors to reduce your payments and interest. You pay them and then they pay the creditors.

Make certain that you are fully aware of each and every bankruptcy law prior to even considering filing. There are often laws prohibiting the transfer of money from the filer for a certain period preceding the bankruptcy filing. Moreover, a filer is prohibited from spending or incurring extra debt prior to their bankruptcy filing.

If you have to get a new car while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, don't try to get approval for the most expensive car on the market. Your trustee won't approve your plan if it includes a luxury vehicle, and you probably can't afford a high car note anyway. Stick with a reliable, but cheap vehicle, to ensure you can afford your new purchase.

The best thing you can do when filing for bankruptcy is to hire an attorney. In addition to providing you a free consultation, an attorney takes care of handling all the necessary paperwork in the appropriate time frame and deals with creditors for you throughout the process. An attorney just makes the whole process easier. Even though they can be expensive, bankruptcy lawyers are invaluable during the bankruptcy process.

Have a credit report done before you file for bankruptcy. This will give you a list of debts that you have, and therefore give you a place to start when listing your debts for your bankruptcy filing. Make sure that there are no mistakes on it, and make sure to give it to your bankruptcy lawyer.

Continue to pay certain bills. Once you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you won't receive any more collection calls, and you may cease to receive certain bills. Remember that you are still under obligation to pay for your 'secured possessions', such as your home or vehicle, or you may lose them.

After exhausting every avenue for resolving your financial debts, bankruptcy may be a necessity. You should not let it ruin your life though if you find yourself facing this decision. This article contains many useful tips you need to know about before you make your decision.